Umeyoga takes its name and its essence from the large plum tree growing in the courtyard. Ume means plum flower in Japanese and the plum flower is a symbol of peace in Japan. A Japanese sense of beauty and tranquility pervades Ahu Ersoz’s yoga studio. Ahu opened her studio in Etiler last November, but you’d never know you were in Istanbul, let alone a big city, once you cross into the courtyard and through the front door. You’ll feel like you have taken a vacation away from the hustle and bustle and landed in a beautiful, natural oasis. From the majestic plum tree hanging over the garden area to the peaceful, graceful spaces inside the studio itself, you’ll find Umeyoga a place to rest, recharge and reconnect with yourself and your natural yoga spirit.
Ahu, we discovered while chatting, was also my neighbor in Brooklyn and speaks perfect English. Classes at the studio are taught in both Turkish and English and cover every level of yoga practice. A weekly schedule can be found online on the Umeyoga website. Call or email ahead to reserve your space.
Umeyoga also has a variety of offerings by different teachers in a range of modalities from various yoga branches to Thai yoga massage to meditation. My first visit was this spring for my friend Jon’s introduction to Thai massage class and I later returned for an introductory yoga class with Sayora, who has created her own style of yoga called Cosmic Yoga. After class, we all ended up becoming friends and chatting well into the evening as we lounged on the seating platform in the garden eating cherries and plums and watching the fireflies lighting up the garden. Ahu, Sayora and I each shared our life stories about how we had decided to start new lives in Istanbul. Each of us was getting the balance, serenity and support we needed from each other and from the powerful practice of yoga. I guess you can call it karma, the kind of karma that keeps giving you unexpected gifts in unexpected moments.
So if you are feeling the need for peace, tranquility and balance, then visit Umeyoga and take a yoga break close to nature. You can also follow Umeyoga on Facebook for upcoming events. You’ll nourish your soul, strengthen your body and you’ll find yourself feeling as sweet as the fruit of a plum tree in springtime (magical fireflies included.)
Umeyoga
Yanarsu Sokak Garanti Blokları B:1
Etiler, 34337
Insider Trading is our new column sharing expats’ secret finds in Istanbul. These recommendations are unsolicited and uncompensated. Have a place you want to share? Send us an email at emma@yabangee.com.
Alba Brunetti is a contributor to Yabangee, she blogs about life in Istanbul at The Bluest I –http://thebluesti.blogspot.
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[…] making a one-on-one commitment? Then check out her weekly class during the month of December at Umeyoga in Etiler. If you’re still unsure (or if your budget is an issue), visit her website and buy her […]